Frank Wyatt

The effects of aquatic and traditional exercise programs on persons with knee osteoarthritis

The purpose of the study was to detect if increases in functional levels for patients with osteoarthritis show differences between an aquatic exercise program and a land-based exercise program. Forty-six subjects between the ages of 45 and 70 years participated in 1 of 2 exercise groups. Pre-and post-test measurements included knee range of motion (ROM), thigh girth, subjective pain scale, and time for a 1-mile walk. Both exercise groups showed a significant (p < 0.05) increase in all measurements between pre-and posttests. There were no significant differences between the aquatic exercise group and the land-based exercise group pertaining to knee ROM, thigh girth, and time for a 1-mile walk. Subjective pain levels were significantly less in the aquatic group when compared with the land-based group. This study concludes that both aquatic and land-based exercise programs are beneficial to patients with osteoarthritis.

Cordyceps sinensis- and Rhodiola rosea-based supplementation in male cyclists and its effect on muscle tissue oxygen saturation.

Cordyceps sinensis (Cs) and Rhodiola rosea (Rr) are herbs used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat a multitude of ailments as well as to enhance performance. The purpose of this research was to examine the effects of a formula containing Cs and Rr (Cs-Rr) on circulatory dynamics, specifically muscle tissue oxygen saturation (StO2), in male subjects during maximal exercise. This study followed a double blind, randomized, placebo-treatment, pre-post test design. Capsules were administered to 8 subjects who were randomly assigned to 1 of 2 groups. The treatment group received Cs-Rr, and the control group received a placebo. All subjects performed 2 exercise stress tests to volitional fatigue on a cycle load ergometer. There were no significant (p ≤ 0.05) differences in StO2 slope, StO2 threshold (StO2T), VO2max, ventilatory threshold (VT), or time to exhaustion (TE) between or within the treatment or control group. In conclusion, Cs-Rr did not significantly enhance StO2.

Effects of a commercial herbal-based formula on exercise performance in cyclists

INTRODUCTION/PURPOSE We examined the effects of a commercially marketed herbal-based formula purported to increase endurance on oxygen consumption (VO2) in 17 competitive category III/IV amateur cyclists [mean (SEM) age: 31.1 (1.8) yr; height: 178.5 (1.8) cm; weight: 77.1 (1.6) kg]. METHODS Each cyclist participated in two (pre/post) cycling tests progressing 25 W.4 min(-1) starting at 100 W administered in a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind fashion. The second trial was performed 14 d after the ingestion of a manufacturer recommended loading phase (4 d x 6 caps.d(-1)) and a maintenance phase (11 d x 3 caps.d(-1)). Three treatment capsules contained 1000 mg of Cordyceps sinensis (CS-4) and 300 mg Rhodiola rosea root extract as the primary ingredients; 800 mg of other ingredients included calcium pyruvate, sodium phosphate, potassium phosphate, ribose, and adenosine and 200 mcg of chromium. RESULTS Using a 2 x 2 ANOVA, we observed no significant treatment effect for any between or within group variables including peak VO2 [treatment 4.14 (0.2) L.min(-1); placebo 4.10 (0.2) L.min(-1)], time to exhaustion [treatment 38.47 (1.7) min; placebo 36.95 (1.8) min], peak power output (PO) [treatment 300.00 (12.1) W; placebo 290.63 (12.9) W], or peak heart rate. We also observed no differences for any subpeak exercise variable including the PO eliciting 2 mmol.L(-1) blood lactate (BLa) [treatment 201.00 (18.1) W; placebo 167.50 (19.2) W] and 4 mmol.L(-1) BLa [treatment 235.88 (15.8) W; placebo 244.78 (14.9) W], ventilatory threshold, respiratory compensation point, or Vo2 L.min(-1) gross efficiency at each stage. CONCLUSION A 2-wk ingestion schema of a commercial herbal-based formula is insufficient to elicit positive changes in cycling performance.

USING A LOGARITHMIC REGRESSION TO IDENTIFY THE HEART-RATE THRESHOLD IN CYCLISTS

The purpose of this study was to establish an objective method for identifying the heart-rate threshold (HRT) in cyclists. Fifty-six male cyclists were tested on a cycle ergometer to volitional fatigue. Identification of the HRT used a heart-rate increase above a logarithmic regression line of best fit, coupled with the crossover of a linear regression line of best fit. The measures of VCO2 and blood lactate for ventilatory threshold (VT) and lactate threshold (HLaT), respectively, were used as criterion measures to validate the HRT. Comparison of HRT with VT and HLaT showed significant associations (r = 0.98). Statistical variance between HRT, VT, and HLaT indicated no difference. From these findings, the logarithmic regression method provides an objective means to determine the HRT. Through this method, cyclists may obtain information for establishing accurate training levels and protocols.

A Systematised Review of Primary School Whole Class Child Obesity Interventions: Effectiveness, Characteristics, and Strategies.

Background. A systematised review was conducted to examine the effectiveness of school-based interventions that focus on changing dietary intake and physical activity levels to reduce childhood obesity. Methods. Multiple databases were searched for randomised and nonrandomised interventions from 2007 to 2016 in full-time elementary schools, which were delivered to the whole class, included dietary and physical activity components, involved both sexes, were written in English, and used body mass index (BMI) as an outcome. Results. The database search produced 8,866 titles from which 78 were deemed relevant and assessed for inclusion resulting in 15 studies meeting all inclusion criteria. From these 15 studies, 9 yielded a reduction or stabilisation in BMI or BMI z-score in the entire intervention group and/or subgroups. Programmes lasting between 6 and 12 months that involve multiple environmental, educational, and physical strategies appear to be most likely to result in BMI or BMI z-score improvement. Moderators most likely influencing an improvement in BMI included increased physical activity, decreased sugar sweetened beverages intake, and increased fruit intake. Conclusions. School-based interventions may be an effective means for child obesity prevention. The identification of consistent elements used in school-based interventions that have demonstrated effectiveness may aid in preventing child obesity.

Determination of Ventilatory Threshold Through Quadratic Regression Analysis

Gregg, JS, Wyatt, FB, and Kilgore, JL. Determination of ventilatory threshold through quadratic regression analysis. J Strength Cond Res 24(9): 2512-2515, 2010-Ventilatory threshold (VT) has been used to measure physiological occurrences in athletes through models via gas analysis with limited accuracy. The purpose of this study is to establish a mathematical model to more accurately detect the ventilatory threshold using the ventilatory equivalent of carbon dioxide (VE/&OV0312;CO2) and the ventilatory equivalent of oxygen (VE/&OV0312;o2). The methodology is primarily a mathematical analysis of data. The raw data used were archived from the cardiorespiratory laboratory in the Department of Kinesiology at Midwestern State University. Procedures for archived data collection included breath-by-breath gas analysis averaged every 20 seconds (ParVoMedics™, TrueMax 2400). A ramp protocol on a Velotron™ bicycle ergometer was used with increased work at 25 W·min−1 beginning with 150 W, until volitional fatigue. The subjects consisted of 27 healthy, trained cyclists with age ranging from 18 to 50 years. All subjects signed a university approved informed consent before testing. Graphic scatterplots and statistical regression analyses were performed to establish the crossover and subsequent dissociation of &OV0312;E/&OV0312;o2 to &OV0312;E/&OV0312;CO2. A polynomial trend line along the scatterplots for &OV0312;E/&OV0312;O2 and &OV0312;E/&OV0312;CO2 was used because of the high correlation coefficient, the coefficient of determination, and trend line. The equations derived from the scatterplots and trend lines were quadratic in nature because they have a polynomial degree of 2. A graphing calculator in conjunction with a spreadsheet was used to find the exact point of intersection of the 2 trend lines. After the quadratic regression analysis, the exact point of &OV0312;E/&OV0312;o2 and &OV0312;E/&OV0312;CO2 crossover was established as the VT. This application will allow investigators to more accurately determine the VT in subsequent research.

Noninvasive profiling of exercise-induced hypoxemia in competitive cyclists.

The purpose of this case study was to profile maximal exercise and the incidence of exercise-induced arterial hypoxemia (EIAH) at three different altitudes within a group of competitive cyclists residing and training at 1,500 m. Ten male cyclists (category I or II professional road cyclists: ages, 27.7 ± 6.1; weight, 69.9 ± 6.9 kg) participated in three randomly assigned VO2max tests at sea level (SL), 1,500 m and 3000 m. Arterial saturation (pulse oximetry), ventilation, and power output (PO) were recorded continuously throughout the test. The SaO2 percentages at VO2max were significantly higher at SL when compared with 1500 m (p < 0.001); however, no difference was observed between VO2max values at either altitude (SL: 72.3 ± 2.5 mL·kg−1·min−1, 1,500 m: 70.6 ± 2.3 mL·kg−1·min−1), only when compared with 3,000 m: 63.9 ± 2.1 mL·kg−1·min−1, p < 0.021. Percent SaO2 did correspond with maximal PO, and there was an overall main effect observed between POs as they continually declined from SL to 3,000 m (SL: 403.3 ± 10.6 W; 1,500 m: 376.1 ± 9.8 W; 3,000 m: 353.9 ± 7.8 W; p < 0.0001). The results of this case study revealed that training and residing at 1,500 m did not reduce the incidence of EIAH during maximal exercise at 1,500 m for this selected group of cyclists.

Fit for school: results of a 10-week school-based child healthy weight pilot intervention for primary school students

Background: The purpose of this pilot study was to report body mass index standard deviation score (BMI-SDS) changes following a Child Healthy Weight pilot intervention. Methods: Children (n = 3290) aged 4–12 years from southwest Scotland participated in a 10-week school-based pilot intervention comprised of parental engagement, behaviour change, and health literacy and physical activity modules. Children’s height and weight were measured during the first and last weeks of the intervention. A sub-group was followed up at 6 and 24 months after the interventions. Raw data were converted to BMI-SDS. Results: Significant reductions in BMI-SDS occurred in the total group [−0.03 ± 0.29 (95% CI −0.036 to −0.015), p < 0.001], non-overweight (p = 0.001) and combined overweight and obese children (p < 0.001). While BMI-SDS decreased in younger boys [−0.02 ± 0.30 (−0.037 to −0.002), p < 0.05] and girls [−0.04 ± 0.30 (−0.061 to −0.025), p < 0.001] as well as older boys [−0.03 ± 0.29 (−0.058 to −0.010), p < 0.01], no change was evident in older girls [−0.01 ± 0.29 (−0.031 to 0.017), p = 0.56]. Follow-up assessments confirmed that BMI-SDS significantly decreased from baseline to 6 months post-intervention but returned to pre-intervention levels 24 months post-intervention. Conclusions: Significant reductions in BMI-SDS were apparent in the short-term evaluation, but values regressed to the initial baseline levels after 24 months. Future work is needed to examine the long-term effects sustained intervention programmes.

Primary School Children's Health Behaviors, Attitudes, and Body Mass Index After a 10-Week Lifestyle Intervention With Follow-Up

Background: Given the current global child obesity epidemic, testing the effectiveness of interventions in reducing obesity and its influencers is paramount. The purpose of this study was to determine immediate and long-term changes in body mass index and psychosocial variables following a 10-week lifestyle intervention. Methods: Seven hundred and seventy participants (8.75 ± 0.98 years of age, 379 boys and 391 girls) took part in the study. Participants had height, weight, and psychosocial questionnaires assessed at pre- and post-control, pre- and post-intervention, and 6-months post-intervention. Participants completed a weekly 10-week intervention consisting of healthy eating and physical activity education, physical activity, parental involvement, and behavior change techniques. Regression models were fit with correlated errors where the correlation occurred only between time points, not between subjects, and the nesting effects of school and area deprivation were controlled. Results: Regression models revealed a significant decrease in body mass index from pre- to post-intervention of 0.8512 kg/m2 (P = 0.0182). No Changes in body mass index occurred from post-intervention to 6-month follow-up (P = 0.5446). The psychosocial variables did not significantly change. Conclusions: This lifestyle intervention may be an effective means for improving body mass index in primary school children in the short-term if the duration of the intervention is increased, but these changes may not be sustained without on-going support.

Cardiovascular Responses to Isometric Hand grip vs. Relaxed Hand Grip in Sustained Cycling Efforts

Abstract Canivel, RG, Wyatt, FB, and Baker, JS. Cardiovascular responses to isometric hand grip vs. relaxed hand grip in sustained cycling efforts. J Strength Cond Res 26(11): 3101–3105, 2012—Peripheral isometric contractions may lead to enhanced performance. Previous research using hand grip protocols indicates increased stabilization and peak power outputs. Research is lacking with the grip vs. no-grip protocol during sustained efforts. The purpose of this study is to determine cardiovascular reactions (i.e., heart rate [HR], blood pressure [BP], and rate pressure product [RPP]) during sustained cycling via an isometric and relaxed hand grip. Nine (n = 9) recreational cyclists participated in this study. After signing a medical and physical readiness questionnaire, the subjects were randomly assigned to 1 of 2 different protocols. Preexercising values of the HR (beats per minute), BP (miilimeters of mercury), height (centimeters), weight (kilograms), and age (years) were assessed before testing. A Monark bicycle ergometer was used for testing. Grip was substantiated through the use of a hand grip dynamometer at 20 kg of tension. Protocol 1 used an isometric “Hand Grip” scenario at 150 W for 20 minutes. Protocol 2 used a “Relaxed Hand Grip” at the same power and time. During the 20-minute exercise test, HR (POLAR), BP (stethoscope and sphygmomanometer), and calculated RPP (HR × systolic BP [SPB]/100) were recorded every minute. Statistical measures included mean and SDs between protocols, and dependent samples t-tests were used to examine differences between grip and no-grip protocols. At an alpha of ⩽0.05, SBP did show a significant increase when using no grip, 161.4 (5.1) mm Hg vs. grip, 154.1 (6.6) mm Hg. However, rate pressure product and heart rate showed no significant differences between protocols. Our data suggested that the use of an isometric hand grip is transient and diminishes over time.